Eight Austrian soldiers from the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured on Tuesday by the impact of the rocket, according to a statement from the Austrian Defense Ministry.
These peacekeepers, members of the Austrian contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), “were injured today at 12:58 p.m. by the impact of a rocket on the Naqoura barracks; none of them are serious,” the note said. “For the moment, it is not possible to specify the origin of the attack,” he adds. This note specifies that the injuries suffered by the eight soldiers were “light and superficial”, without any requiring emergency medical treatment. “We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and demand that an investigation be opened immediately,” the ministry said in the note.
Meanwhile, UNIFIL reported that a rocket hit its headquarters in Naqoura, setting fire to a vehicle manufacturing workshop. The peacekeepers, the note continues, “were not in the bunkers at that time.” “Although some peacekeepers were slightly injured, fortunately, no one was seriously injured,” the statement added.
The U.N. force blamed Hezbollah or another affiliated group for the attack. “The rocket was fired from the north of UNIFIL headquarters, probably by Hezbollah or an affiliated group. “We have opened an investigation into this incident.” “We remind Hezbollah and all actors of their obligation to ensure the security of UN personnel and assets. “Any deliberate attack against them constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Resolution 1701.”
Israel is waging an intense bombing campaign in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as Beirut, which has killed most of the more than 2,200 people in Lebanon since October 2023, and has asked UNIFIL to vacate its positions along what is called UNIFIL. Blue line, dividing line between Lebanon and Israel.
Since October 11, this UN mission, made up of more than 10,000 members and some 13,000 soldiers from 10 main countries, has reported having been the target of several attacks attributed to Israel.
